electrolytic cell: a

chemical system in
which non-spontaneous
oxidation and reduction
reactions are made to
occur by the application
of electrical energy

Figure A2.26: Iron is an easy victim for corrosion if left unprotected.

You use metals every day. However, most metals are reactive and will oxidize to produce metal
ions. With this reaction, they will eventually return to the earth, combining with other substances
to reform the ionic compounds from which they came.
As indicated by their position in the activity series, gold and silver are two metals that do not oxidize as easily as other
metals. This makes them extremely valuable because objects made from these metals will resist corrosion and probably last a
long time. Unfortunately, it is usually too expensive to make an object entirely of these precious metals.
A cost-effective alternative is to apply a very thin coating of a corrosion-resistant metal to the surface of a susceptible
metal. These protective coatings are applied using a variation of the voltaic cell called the electrolytic cell. Both cells involve
chemical change and electrical energy.
Electrolytic Cell

Voltaic Cell
electrical energy

chemical change

The difference between these cells is that a voltaic cell uses chemical change to produce electrical energy, whereas an
electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to produce a chemical change.
Chapter 2: The Reduction and Oxidization of Metals

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2.5 The Electrolytic Cell

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You can observe a very simple electrolytic cell in operation in the next activity.

Try This Activity

Using Electrical Energy to Force Chemical Change
Purpose
You will observe the effect of an electric current through water. A small
amount of sodium sulfate is added to the water as an electrolyte to
improve its ability to conduct electricity.

Science Skills
Performing and Recording
Analyzing and Interpreting

Materials

500-mL beaker
9-V battery
matches
wood splints
stirring rod

28.0 g of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4(s)

400 mL of distilled water
2 test tubes (15 mm 150 mm)
test tube rack

Use gloves, safety glasses,

and a lab apron for this activity.

Procedure
step 1: Add 28.0 g of sodium sulfate, Na2SO4(s), into a beaker containing 400 mL of water, and stir to dissolve the
solute.
step 2: Once the sodium sulfate has dissolved, fill each test tube to the very top with the solution and place it in a test
tube rack.
step 3: Place a new 9-V battery into the remaining solution in the beaker. The battery should be sitting on the bottom of
the beaker, completely submerged in the solution, with the terminals facing upward.
step 4: Observe each terminal of the battery for evidence of chemical change. You should see some gas bubbles
appearing at each terminal. Can you predict the gases that are produced?
step 5: To collect the gas produced at each terminal, take the two test tubes filled with the electrolyte solution and cover
the tops with your thumbs. Carefully tip the test tubes over, and slowly remove your thumb once they are under
the surface of the solution. Position each test tube so the opening covers one of the battery terminals.
step 6: After a few minutes, note whether one tube is filling with gas faster than the other.
step 7: Given that the chemical formula for water is H2O(l), determine which of the test tubes contains hydrogen gas and
which contains oxygen gas.
step 8: Remove the test tube you think contains hydrogen gas. Do this by placing your thumb over the open end of the
test tube and carefully removing each test tube without losing the gas collected. While pointing the open end of
the test tube in a safe direction, use a burning splint to confirm your prediction.
step 9: Remove the test tube you think contains oxygen gas using the same method stated in step 8. While pointing the
open end of the test tube in a safe direction, use a glowing splint to confirm your prediction in this case.

Analysis
1. In this activity, you assembled a simple electrolytic cell.
a. Identify the source of electrical energy for this cell.
b. Describe the evidence that indicates that this electrolytic cell caused a chemical change.
2. Consider the gas collected in the test tube positioned over the positive terminal of the battery. What does the splint
test indicate about the identity of this gas?
3. Consider the gas collected in the test tube positioned over the negative terminal of the battery. What does the splint
test indicate about the identity of this gas?
4. More gas accumulated in one of the test tubes than in the other. State the identity of this gas, and use the following
chemical reaction to help you explain why a larger amount of it was produced.
2 H2O(l) 2 H2(g) + O2(g)
5. In this activity you added a salt, sodium sulfate, to act as an electrolyte so that the distilled water could conduct
electricity. Concisely explain why both voltaic and electrolytic cells require electrolytes to properly function.

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Using Electrical Energy to Produce Metal Coatings

Many metal products manufactured today have a thin coating
of a less corrosive metal added to their surface. In this
process, the object to be coated is submerged in a solution
containing metal ions that will eventually form the
corrosion-resistant surface. An external source of electrical
energy supplies energy to electrons that flow through two
electrodes: one electrode connects to the object to be coated
and the other to a second electrode in the conducting solution
to complete the circuit. This process is called electroplating.
You will have an opportunity to build an electrolytic cell
that can electroplate copper onto a carbon electrode in the
next investigation.
electroplating: the process of depositing a
metal at the cathode of an electrolytic cell
Figure A2.27: Large-scale industrial electroplating facilities use banks of
electrolytic cells to produce metal coatings.

Investigation
Electroplating Copper
Purpose

Science Skills

You will assemble an electrolytic cell that will add a thin coating
of copper to a carbon electrode. You will observe changes to the
electrodes that will verify that chemical change has occurred.

Performing and Recording

Analyzing and Interpreting

Materials

150 mL of 0.250-mol/L copper(II) sulfate solution, CuSO4(aq)

2 electrical leads with alligator clips
9-V battery (or direct current power supply)
carbon electrode
copper electrode
250-mL beaker
electronic balance

Use gloves, safety glasses, and a lab apron

for this investigation. Copper(II) sulfate
solution, CuSO4(aq), is toxic and an irritant.

Proceed with caution if you are using a direct current power

supply. An ammeter should be used to ensure that the current
does not exceed 2.0 A. The power supply should be protected by
a fuse or circuit breaker in case the electrodes accidentally touch.

Procedure
step 1: Before starting this investigation, carefully read over the entire investigation. Design a data table to record the
qualitative and quantitative observations you will make during the investigation.
step 2: Pour 150 mL of 0.250-mol/L copper(II) sulfate solution into the beaker.
step 3: Measure the initial masses of the carbon and copper electrodes, and record each value in your data table.
step 4: Take the carbon electrode and attach an alligator clip to one of its ends. Take the other end of the alligator clip
and attach it to the negative terminal of the 9-V battery (or to the negative terminal of the power supply).

Chapter 2: The Reduction and Oxidization of Metals

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step 5: Take the copper electrode and attach an alligator clip to one of its ends. Take the other end of the alligator clip
and attach it to the positive terminal of the 9-V battery (or to the positive terminal of the power supply).
step 6: Carefully place the electrodes into the copper(II) sulfate solution. Do not immerse the alligator clips or let the
electrodes touch each other.
step 7: Let the electrodes sit in the solution for approximately 10 min. During this time, look at the electrodes and note
any changes you see.
step 8: Disconnect the alligator clips from the battery and the electrodes. Observe any changes to the electrodes that
have occurred.
step 9: Allow the electrodes to dry thoroughly, and measure the final mass of each electrode. Record the values in your
data table.

Analysis
1. Describe any changes that occurred at the carbon electrode.
2. Describe any changes that occurred at the copper electrode.
3. Identify the evidence that indicates a reduction half-reaction occurred during the operation of the electrolytic cell.
Write the half-reaction that describes this reaction.
4. Identify the evidence that indicates an oxidation half-reaction occurred during the operation of the electrolytic cell.
Write the half-reaction that describes this reaction.
5. Draw a diagram of the apparatus. Label the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte, and the direction of electron flow
provided by the power source.

A Look into ElectroplatingThe Mechanics of an Electrolytic Cell

Earlier, you explored the idea that batteries make use of spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions. Energy is released as
relatively reactive metals lose electrons to relatively reactive ions. The resulting current of electrons is guided through a wire
so that their energy can be captured and used by your electronic devices.
The Mechanics of Electroplating

electrons

battery

Electrons build
up on the object
connected to the
negative terminal of
the power source.

Ag(s)

object to
be plated

Ag+

Electrons from the

silver metal are
attracted to the
positive electrode of
the power source.

The loss of electrons

oxidizes the silver metal,
releasing silver ions.

The positive silver ions are

attracted to the negative electrode.
When they contact the negative
electrode, the ions are reduced to
form silver atoms.

Electroplating, however, is a process that forces non-spontaneous oxidation and reduction reactions to occur. Energy is
used to remove electrons from the metal located at the anode of the cell and transfer them to metal ions within the electrolyte
near the cathode of the cell. The cell you constructed in the last activity forced copper(II) ions in the solution to gain electrons
and become copper metal. Cells like this can be used to electroplate one metal over another metallic substance. Can you think
of a reason why this process is an effective way to protect metals that tend to be easily oxidized?
Electroplating is commonly used to protect metals from other elements in the environment that might cause corrosion.
Iron and other metals are often electroplated with chromium, platinum, silver, or gold to protect them from substances in
the atmosphere that oxidize them. Electroplating a metal can increase the life span of the consumer good without having to
actually make the entire object out of an expensive metal.
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Practice
Use the following information to answer questions 44 to 46.

Gold Used in Jewellery

If an object is made entirely from pure gold, it is described as being made from 24-karat gold. However, because
gold is such a soft metal, it is often combined with other metals, like brass (copper and zinc) and nickel, to make the
object more durable. A piece of jewellery made from 18-karat gold is 75% pure gold, and a piece that is 12-karat
gold is only 50% pure gold. By law, every piece of jewellery has to be stamped with the karat or (k) mark, along with
the manufacturers trademark.

Gold-filled jewellery is also called gold overlay or gold clad. These pieces have a layer of at least 10-karat gold
that has been permanently welded to a less expensive metal underneath. The karat gold must make up at least 1/20
of the total mass of the piece in order to qualify as gold-filled. Gold-filled items, like designer frames for eyeglasses,
have many of the advantages of a gold surface without the excessive weight characterized by 24-karat gold.
Jewellery that is gold-plated means that an electrolytic cell was used to coat the surface with a plating of at
least 10-karat gold. The coating on the surface is much thinner than it is for rolled gold, so these pieces are not as
durable. This process is ideal for pieces that have intricate designs or are very large.
44. Consider the following description of a bracelet being sold:
For Sale: One gold bracelet, 15 cm long, $200.
If you were interested in buying this item, what questions should you ask the seller?
45. In a commercial gold-plating operation, would you expect the piece of jewellery to be electroplated to be in contact
with the negative terminal of the power supply or with the positive terminal? Explain your reasoning.
46. Gold-plating is a cost-effective alternative to the other types of gold jewellery because the gold can be applied
sparingly to the surface. However, care must be taken not to scratch this thin layer. Explain the problems created by
deep scratches on the surface of gold-plated objects.

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Other Uses for Electrolytic Cells

Refining Metals
Recall that when copper is extracted from its ores, blister
copper is produced from molten copper sulfide. Blister
copper is 97% to 99% pure copper. Although this grade
of copper is fine for many applications, it is still not pure
enough for use in copper wires. Copper wire must be
99.99% pure copper. Further refinement is done using an
electrolytic cell.

electrolyte
CuSO4(aq)
H2SO4(aq)

anode

pure copper
sludge

Figure A2.28: This electrolytic cell shows purifying copper.

In Figure A2.28, a very thin electrode of already pure

copper is connected to the cathode. The blister copper is
attached to the anode. As the copper in the blister copper is
oxidized at the anode, copper ions, Cu2+(aq), are released
and enter the solution. The free-floating, positive copper
ions diffuse in the solution and are eventually attracted to the
electrons at the cathode. They move toward the cathode and
gain two electrons when they come into contact with it. By
gaining two electrons, the copper ions are reduced to pure
copper metal. Over time, the anode of impure copper shrinks
while the cathode of pure copper grows.
electrolysis: the

decomposition of a
Earlier in this lesson you saw how
electrolytic cells can be used to divide substance by means
of an electric current
water molecules to form hydrogen gas
and oxygen gas. This process is called electrolysis.

oxygen gas

hydrogen gas

anode

cathode
vessel containing
acidified water
battery
+

Figure A2.29: Electrolysis is actually a simple process.

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Unit A: Chemical Change

Electrolytic cells are not limited to purifying only metals,

they can also be used to produce non-metals.

power supply

Cl2(g)

inert
electrode

molten NaCl

impure
copper

Cu2+(aq)

Electrolysis

Producing Non-Metals

inert
electrode

cathode

2 H2O(l) 2 H2(g) + O2(g)

power supply

In Figure A2.29, the oxygen in water molecules loses

electrons at the anode to become oxygen gas, O2(g). At the
same time, hydrogen in water molecules gain electrons at the
cathode to become hydrogen gas, H2(g). The overall equation
for this process is

Na+
cathode

Cl
anode

Figure A2.30: This diagram shows how an electrolytic cell produces non-metals.

In Figure A2.30, the chloride ions have electrons

taken away from them at the anode to make chlorine gas.
Meanwhile, the sodium ions are reduced at the cathode to
produce sodium metal. Both chlorine gas and sodium metal
have a large variety of industrial uses.
Chlorine is used to kill micro-organisms in both drinking
water and waste-water treatment. Sodium is used as a
reducing agent in refining metals like titanium.
Rechargeable Voltaic Cells
A rechargeable voltaic cell
functions as an electrolytic
cell when it is recharging.
As mentioned earlier, a
voltaic cell (or commercial
cell) contains reactants
that spontaneously
undergo oxidation and
reduction. When a cell no
longer produces energy,
the reactants need to be
re-made. When you
recharge one of these cells,
you use an electric current
to force the oxidation and
reduction of the contents
in the cell to reproduce the
original reactants.

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2.5 Summary
Non-spontaneous reactions require electrical energy in order for a reaction
to occur. Electrolytic cells make use of non-spontaneous oxidation and
reduction reactions. Electroplating is a process where you reduce
metal atoms onto an object acting as an electrode. This process
will give that object an outer protective layer consisting of
another metal. One example is the Canadian penny. Since 1997,
this coin has been made with a small percentage of copper
plated over less-expensive metals. Electrolytic cells are also
used to purify metals from their ores and to remove elements
from compounds to produce gases.

2.5 Questions
Knowledge
1. Define the following terms.
a. electrolytic cell
b. electroplating
c. electrolysis
2. Outline the similarities and differences between an electrolytic cell and a voltaic cell.
3. Explain the benefits of electroplating one metal with another metal.
Applying Concepts
4. Design an electrolytic cell that uses silver metal as one of the electrodes to plate a house key with silver. Be certain to
include a diagram with your design that has the following components:

electrolyte
cathode
anode
loss of electrons
gain of electrons
negative terminal

positive terminal
electron flow
products of the electrolytic cell
power source
oxidation half-reaction
reduction half-reaction

5. Explain how you can purify a metal from its ore with an electrolytic cell.
6. Explain the difference between regular and rechargeable batteries.
7. Electrolysis uses an electrolytic cell to break down water molecules to form oxygen gas and hydrogen gas.
a. Draw and label the important structures and products of an electrolytic cell that will complete the electrolysis of water.
b. Explain why it is necessary to have an ionic compound dissolved in the water of the cell.
c. Use the overall equation of electrolysis to explain how this process supports the idea that water is made up of two
hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Chapter 2: The Reduction and Oxidization of Metals

101

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